Neal McDonough, the veteran actor known for his roles in hit shows like 'Yellowstone,' 'Band of Brothers,' and 'Desperate Housewives,' has revealed a surprising reason for a period of hardship in his career: his refusal to kiss other women on screen. McDonough, a devout Catholic, has been married to his wife, Ruvé, since 2003, and has consistently included a 'no kissing' clause in his contracts.
The 'No Kissing' Clause
In a recent interview on the 'Nothing Left Unsaid' podcast, McDonough explained that his decision stemmed from a desire to protect his wife and future children from the potential emotional impact of seeing him in intimate scenes with other actresses. "I always had in my contracts that I wouldn't kiss another woman on screen," he stated. "My wife didn't have any problem with it. It was me, really, who had a problem. I was like, 'Yeah, I don't want to put you through it. I know we're going to start having kids, and I don't want to put my kids through it.'"
Hollywood's Reaction
However, McDonough's principled stance didn't sit well with everyone in Hollywood. He claims that his refusal to perform intimate scenes led to a significant backlash, resulting in a two-year period where he struggled to find work. "When I wouldn't do it, and they couldn't understand it, Hollywood just completely turned on me," he said. "They wouldn't let me be part of the show anymore. And for two years, I couldn't get a job, and I lost everything you could possibly imagine. Not just houses and material things, but your swagger, your cool, who you are, your identity, everything."
Career Revival
Despite the challenges, McDonough has since experienced a career resurgence, landing roles in popular series like 'Yellowstone' and 'Tulsa King.' He even starred alongside his wife in the film 'The Last Rodeo,' where he was able to share an on-screen kiss with her. McDonough's story highlights the complexities of navigating personal beliefs within the entertainment industry and the potential consequences of standing firm on one's principles.
McDonough's experience raises questions about artistic freedom, religious beliefs, and the pressures faced by actors in the entertainment industry. Whether his account is accurate or not, it's clear that his choice had a significant impact on his career, at least for a time.